November 15, 2002 -- General Eric K. Shinseki, Army Chief of Staff said, "Platforms and organizations don't defend this nation, people do."

On November 14, Jacksonville State University's Department of Military Science took the time to recognize the young men and women who make up the Gamecock Battalion.

The 2002 Fall Awards Ceremony recognized the educational and physical accomplishments of the Gamecock cadets, as individuals and as a part of a team. The department also recognized JSU faculty Gina Mabrey, Jim McLaughlin and Dr. Deborah Francis for their participation in ROTC summer training camps.

In his remarks at the ceremony, Professor of Military Science Lieutenant Colonel May praised the cadets for their dedication and their courage.

"You have the same commitment in you that rallied our young heroes who expelled the British from America, the Germans from France and the Iraqis from Kuwait. Like you, those young people didn't know what they might face when called to duty, but they knew that their will to make a difference in the lives of others prepared them to face whatever came as they served our great nation and its people."

He continued that "There are no awards that appropriately recognize the decision you've made to serve, to lead, to sacrifice if need be."

Also in attendance at the ceremony were Jacksonville State University President Dr. William Meehan, JSU Associate Vice President of Academic Affairs, Dr. Joe Delap, Outgoing JSU ROTC Alumni Association President Major General (Ret) Larry Lee. COL (Ret) Therman Greene, 1st Vice President of the
JSU ROTC Alumni Chapter, attended and made a presentation.